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Photos are a slice of post-Katrina life in the French Quarter and the subject of a new book.

by Alysha Sideman

Post-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Post-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Post-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Pre-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Pre-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Pre-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Pre-Katrina

Louis Sahuc

Another obstacle he says is that local tourism marketing groups are hampered
by lack of funding, when they need it the most.

The New Orleans native fled briefly to New York City in the weeks after Katrina.

"Growing up here I've been love with this city for as long as I can remember.
It's my inspiration," he says.

Moved by the angles and light of the city, Sahuc shots have a strong graphic
design element.

"The right subject with the right light with some graphic component to it
is what gets to me," he says.

And it must be timeless and illustrate the old, romantic New Orleans of his
youth. "I try to make photos that could have been taken 100 years ago or 100
years from now."

Three years ago, the shooter completely transferred to a digital studio for
the immediacy of it, now using a Canon 30D.

Shortly before leaving for his lunch date (he stills eats red beans and rice
every Monday), he laughed as he shot a screen image on the TV as his friend
Rev. Crosby Kern , monsignor of the cathedral, walked with the president.

1. The most important piece of equipment in a photographer's arsenal: "a tripod."

2. Learn to compose the picture in the camera. "I never crop a picture once
I've taken it. Cropping it after is just lazy."

3. Throw the lens cap away as soon as you buy a camera. "You can put a filter
on to protect the lens. I've watched too many people by the time they take
it off, the incident they were going to shoot is over."

4. To own a gallery is crazy. "I had no idea what I was doing I the beginning." But
now between the commissioned jobs from walk-ins and part-time commercial work
he makes a living. Lately, Sahuc has been particularly lucky because of all
the current renovations and construction going on in the area. People in need
of art for commercial purposes have been stumbling in the gallery. New clients
include a financial company and a new hotel. "It's a risk, so work hard and
work smart. Find out what works and don't repeat mistakes."

5. Something to think about: "Be real about your expectations and what you
can do well. Then do your best."